Beryl

Aquamarine, a blue-green variety of beryl from Tanzania. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.

Uses

Gemstones, the primary ore of beryllium.

Color

bluish green, light yellow, golden yellow, pink, white, colorless

Streak

colorless

Luster

vitreous

Diaphaneity

transparent to translucent

Cleavage

imperfect

Luster

vitreous

Hardness

7.5 - 8

Specific Gravity

2.6 - 2.8

Distinguishing Characteristics

hexagonal crystal form, green color, hardness

Crystal System

hexagonal

Chemical Classification

silicate

Chemical Composition

beryllium aluminum silicate , Be3Al2Si6O18

Beryl is a transparent rock that comes in the colors of green, blue yellow, colorless, and red. "Beryl" comes from the Greek word "beryllos" which means "precious blue-green color of sea water stone". Some minerals that are beryl include Aquamarine, Emerald.

Yellow beryl from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specimens are approximately 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch (.64 centimeter to 1.6 centimeters) across

Beryl from Bedford, New York. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across